It seemed like pandemonium across the Internet nearly two months ago when Beyoncé revealed that she was launching a new brand of fitness wear called Ivy Park. At the time, fans were clamoring to buy pieces of the high-end fitness line, but last week, the praise quickly turned to disdain when reports surfaced that Ivy Park’s clothes are made in sweatshops overseas. Now, though, Ivy Park is finally fighting back against the accusations with a new statement on the matter.
As previously reported, the drama began last week when U.K. tabloid The Sun reported that it investigated Ivy Park and found that the label was manufactured by Sri Lankan seamstresses in MAS holding factories who are paid only $6.17 a day, leaving them far from able to afford even a pair of Ivy Park leggings, which can sell for $144.
One worker reportedly claimed that she only makes $125.30 a month in the sweat shop and that both her work and living situations were horrendous.
Of course, the story quickly made headlines across the globe and left many questioning whether Beyoncé was leading an immoral company.
However, yesterday, the brand released a statement denying that they use sweatshops to create their clothes or that they mistreat their workers.
“Ivy Park has a rigorous ethical trading program. We are proud of our sustained efforts in terms of factory inspections and audits, and our teams worldwide work very closely with our suppliers and their factories to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The brand also wrote that they expect all suppliers to meet its code of conduct “and we support them in achieving these requirements.”
The new report also points out a a clear error in The Sun‘s original argument about Ivy Park’s mistreatment of workers. Although The Sun alleged that the Sri Lankan seamstresses only make $6.17 a day, the minimum daily wage in Sri Lanka is 400 rupees, or $2.68, meaning that even if the report is true, Ivy Park seamstresses are making double the daily minimum wage.
Well, there you have it, folks.
